Abstract

GASTROPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF CUCURBITA MAXIMA POLYPHENOLIC EXTRACT IN DICLOFENAC INDUED-ULCER IN MALE ALBINO RATS

Marius Obiwanne Chiwetalu, Odera Dorathy Anameze, Ebele Anulika Obichi, Chinyere Laureta Ezugwu,* Martins Obinna Ogugofor, Ugochi Olivia Njoku, Okechukwu Stanley Nze and Ogechukwu Anthonia Amaefuna

ABSTRACT

Peptic ulcer disease has remained one of the most common health problems impacting a huge number of people. Cucurbita maxima is a tropical fruit bearing vegetable with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, urinary problems, antidiabetic, and antioxidant effects. In folkloric medicine, it can also be used to cure ulcers. In this work, diclofenac-induced ulceration in male albino rats was used to assess the anti-ulcer activity of Cucurbita maxima polyphenolic extract. For the investigation, thirty (30) male albino rats were randomly divided into six (6) groups, each having five (5) rats. Group 1 was the normal control group. Group 3 received 30 mg/kg b.w lansoprazole; group 4 received 100 mg/kg b.w Cucurbita maxima polyphenolic extract; group 5 received 200 mg/kg b.w Cucurbita maxima polyphenolic extract while group 6 received 400 mg/kg b.w Cucurbita maxima polyphenolic extract. The study showed that Cucurbita maxima polyphenolic extract exerted a significant gastroprotective activity against diclofenac induced gastric mucosal damage in rats.

Keywords: Peptic ulcer, Cucurbita maxima; Polyphenols, antioxidants.